stem cell (redirected from Unspecialized cell)

stem cell

n.

An unspecialized cell that gives rise to a specific specialized cell, such as a blood cell.

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stem cell

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) Histology an undifferentiated cell that gives rise to specialized cells, such as blood cells

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stem cell

An unspecialized cell found in fetuses, embryos, and some adult body tissues that has the potential to develop into specialized cells or divide into other stem cells. Stem cells from fetuses or embryos can develop into any type of differentiated cells, while those found in mature tissues develop only into specific cells. Stem cells can potentially be used to replace tissue damaged or destroyed by disease or injury, but the use of embryonic stem cells for this purpose is controversial. Also called progenitor cell.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

stem cell - an undifferentiated cell whose daughter cells may differentiate into other cell types (such as blood cells) somatic cell, vegetative cell - any of the cells of a plant or animal except the reproductive cells; a cell that does not participate in the production of gametes; "somatic cells are produced from preexisting cells"; hematopoeitic stem cell - blood forming stem cells in the bone marrow; T cells and B cells arise from these stem cells